Bees are so incredible! Not only do they make liquid gold (Ancient Egyptians regarded honey right up there with gold, silver and jewels etc) their honey making skills also provide us with some amazing by-products which can be incredibly helpful for our bodies.
Aside from making Honey, bees also need to build and protect the home for the Queen Bee, so they collect resin from trees and create propolis, the sticky stuff that helps to fill in and protect gaps within the bee hive and make the hive stronger. However it’s not just structural protection Propolis offers but the ability to protect the hive and all of its workers from disease, fungal infection, parasite infection and bacterial growth.
It is this reason that for century’s propolis has been used for medicinal purposes, Ancient Greeks and Egyptians understood the health benefits as did Ancient Chinese. As a result, even now in the new Millennium, Propolis is still being dissected, researched and trialed showing many positive health benefits.
What is Propolis?
Bee Propolis is a resin material produced by honey bees to seal and protect the cells of the hive, line the inside of nest cavities and repair honeycomb. Without Bee Propolis, the hives could be susceptible to viruses and bacteria.
However new research has revealed that bee propolis is far more than just a homemade sealant. In addition to increasing the structural integrity of the hive and reducing vibration, the benefits of propolis extend to acting as an antibacterial and anti-fungal agent to protect the hive.
What are the benefits of taking Propolis?
Bee Propolis has powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, making it naturally antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral. Bee Propolis resin is high in flavonoids, which are essential to a plant’s defence system.
Propolis has also been known to have great benefits for skin care. Because of the anti-inflammatory effects it is great for acne prone skin, excellent to promote wound healing and because of the high antioxidant effect may help to keep our skin looking clearer, younger and fresh!
What are Flavonoids and Phenolics?
Flavonoids is a fancy word for plant compounds that contain high levels of antioxidant activity. Phenolics are compounds produced by a plant, that protect the plant against stress. Both Flavonoids and Phenolics are found in most fruits and vegetables and have been attributed to many of the health benefits found in plant-based diets.
Propolis Capsules
Manuka North offers propolis in capsule form, great for people on the go or for those who prefer the convenience of a quick and easy to swallow pill form of propolis. Propolis taken daily during the cold and flu season may help to boost the body’s natural defences against contracting seasonal illness. For people who have already contracted a cold or flu, daily supplementation with propolis helps with ills and chills.